Heroin is an illicit drug, meaning that it’s illegal to possess, sell, and produce it. That means if you develop a heroin addiction, you’re at risk for experiencing legal problems and criminal charges. Furthermore, the dangers of heroin addiction can lead to death from overdose. Therefore, its paramount for those suffering from heroin addiction, to receive treatment at a heroin detox center before it’s too late.
Heroin Addiction Statistics
In 2016 alone, nearly 1 million Americans used heroin, as heroin use has continued to increase over the past decade. While 214,000 Americans met the criteria for a heroin use disorder in 2002, that number climbed to 626,000 in 2016. One of the many dangers of heroin addiction is fatal overdoses, as heroin supplies cut with dangerous additives contributed to overdoses becoming the leading cause of death among Americans under the age of 50.
The Dangers of Heroin Addiction
Heroin is a central nervous system depressant and is made from opium. Heroin is sold in a solid or rock form (“tar”) or as a powder. Users can smoke, inhale, or inject heroin, with injection the most potent and dangerous route of administration. Injecting heroin can create additional risks, such as:
- Infectious diseases, like MRSA, Hepatitis, and HIV/AIDS
- Increased risk of an overdose
- Severe addictions
With prescription opiate abuse rising drastically in the United States in the past 20 years, many people transitioned to heroin because it’s cheaper. This led to heroin becoming more widely used, with the dangers of heroin addiction evident as overdoses rose drastically as more Americans used heroin.
As addiction progresses, heroin becomes an increasingly important part of your life, causing you to prioritize heroin over other responsibilities. That means that among the dangers of heroin addiction are financial problems, unemployment, and instability. Maintaining a heroin addiction makes it extremely difficult to keep a job, which can result in engaging in criminal activities to support your habit.
Heroin Addiction Symptoms
Since physical and psychological dependence are among the dangers of heroin addiction, it’s important to complete substance abuse treatment when you decide to recover. Heroin detox can cause serious and painful symptoms, such as:
- Restless legs, aches, and pains
- Anxiety, depression, and mood changes
- Insomnia and exhaustion
- Sweats, shakes, and tremors
- Stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting
Detox symptoms can begin within hours of your last use and typically last several days. A heroin addiction treatment center offers can make withdrawal more tolerable by administering medications to alleviate symptoms. Once detox ends, treatment focuses on helping you learn how to cope with and manage your symptoms.
An heroin addiction treatment program in Weymouth, MA offers the highest level of care, structure, and support. Having access to members of your treatment team 24 hours a day improves recovery outcomes and ensures you have adequate resources during your recovery.
Heroin Addiction Treatment Programs
Substance abuse treatment programs offer comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment for underlying co-occurring mental health disorders and heroin addiction. Upon your admission into a heroin addiction treatment center the addiction treatment staff will conduct a mental health assessment to compile a personalized heroin addiction treatment plan. Addiction treatment programs and addiction therapies utilized in heroin addiction treatment include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Dual diagnosis treatment program
- Intensive outpatient treatment program
- Medication-assisted treatment program
Holistic therapies, which can also provide valuable coping strategies, can include:
- Mindfulness meditation
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Acupuncture
- Nature therapy
Finding Treatment for a Heroin Addiction Today
The dangers of heroin addiction make early treatment essential to recovery. Heroin addiction can lead to organ damage, financial constraints, and a lower quality of life. While having a lengthy or severe addiction may make you feel hopeless, recovery is always possible. Reaching out for help is the first step towards regaining control of your life.
